ISLAMABAD: The Shehbaz Sharif-led government is set to present the 27th Amendment in the Senate on November 7. The proceedings are expected to continue even on a public holiday, with final approval likely by November 10.
Sources confirmed that the 27th Amendment aims to introduce significant reforms to Pakistan’s judicial structure and provincial financial powers. The Senate will debate the bill on Friday and Saturday before forwarding it to the relevant committee for review.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is reportedly taking coalition partners into confidence regarding the proposed legislation. A dinner is expected to be hosted for allied members, including representatives from the Awami National Party (ANP), to discuss the amendment.
Under the proposed 27th Amendment, the Supreme Judicial Council and Judicial Commission will be headed by the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, replacing the Chief Justice of Pakistan. The amendment also seeks to remove the requirement for consent from the concerned judge or the Chief Justice in High Court judge transfers.
The amendment further proposes reducing provincial shares in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. It also aims to transfer the Population Welfare and Education Departments from provincial to federal control.
Opposition parties have strongly opposed the amendment. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser warned that the 27th Amendment could undermine judicial independence and accused the PPP of supporting the move. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar called the amendment a threat to constitutional balance, saying it could “shake the foundations of the country.”
Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar defended the changes, stating that the reforms aim to strengthen the judiciary and transition “from a constitutional bench towards a constitutional court.” He urged the public to avoid speculation until official announcements are made.
PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar, criticized the amendment for creating another court above the existing judiciary. They also expressed concern that changes to NFC provincial shares could increase tensions among provinces.
In other news read more about Constitutional Amendments Under Consideration to Strengthen Judicial System
The presentation of the 27th Amendment is expected to dominate Senate proceedings and trigger heated debates among lawmakers, opposition parties, and coalition partners.
